Chapter 212. No Arguments

The translucent dome shimmered softly at the center of the chamber, its surface alive with runes that pulsed in a steady rhythm. It arched over the bed where Princess Riela lay, enclosing her completely in a cocoon of protective magic.

Gavriel stood just outside its boundary.

His hands were clenched at his sides, knuckles white, his gaze fixed on the woman kneeling at the edge of the dome. Althea’s palms hovered inches from the glowing barrier, fingers trembling as she carefully aligned her energy with the spellwork embedded within it. One wrong push, one careless surge, and the dome would either shatter or reject her entirely.

Neither outcome was acceptable.

Inside the dome, Riela lay still, her breathing shallow but steady. Her skin held a faint grayish pallor, a lingering mark of the corruption that had taken root inside her. Thin lines of dark residue traced faintly beneath her skin, like shadows refusing to let go.

Queen Mother Wilma stood to Gavr